In this first part of a mini-arc, southern provincial nobody Wang Anshi rises above his station and attracts both the curiosity and the attention of Emperor Shanzong and his court by laying out a bold new vision to lead the Song Dynasty out of its economic malaise before disaster inevitably strikes. But when neither Wang nor his critics are willing to give an inch on their principles, sparks fly...

Time Period Covered:

1021-1070 CE

Relevant Historical Figures:

Emperor Shenzong of Song (Zhao Xu) [r. 1067 - 1085]

Wang Anshi, Economic Maverick [1021-1086]

Sima Guang, Conservative Historian [1019-1086]

Ouyang Xiu, "Old Drunkard" [1007-1072]

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#145 - N. Song 12: The New Policies, Pt. 1